The average yearly costs of education continue to increase around the country.
According to the College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing”, the 20062007 average
total costs (including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses) are $16,357 for fouryear public colleges and universities; and
$33,301 for fouryear private colleges and universities. These costs represent nearly a
6 percent tuition increase from 20052006. Inflation during that same period was
approximately 4 percent.
As anxiety rises concerning the escalating costs of schooling, students are left with the
decision of how to fund their education. Some take out loans, or qualify for grants or
scholarships. Others, however, are left to pay their own way by means of fulltime or
parttime employment. Approximately 80 percent of all college students are employed
while completing their undergraduate education (Riggert). Many studies have been conducted to determine the effects of fulltime and parttime
employment on the academic success of college students. The purpose of this paper is
to summarize some of the general findings and implications of these studies, and to
provide suggestions regarding how university studentemployment offices may utilize
these data.